2016
August 18, 2016: The new Pierce Enforcer has been placed in service at Engine 23. Engine 23's E-One has been reassigned to Engine 25. Engine 25's Seagrave J-cab has been retired to the reserve pool. The Seagrave had not made it to the Garage when Tower 27's spare rig would not go into pump at a car fire. Company 27 is currently running as an engine, reducing the department to 1 aerial, until a loaner aerial can be secured. Neither front-line aerial seems to be able to return to service in a short amount of time. Tower 91 will be the second truck on the north side, while Westbrick will be sending their truck to south side Still Alarms. The only vehicle left in the reserve pool is the Mack MR.
August 14, 2016: During vehicle checks this morning, Tower 27's Seagrave Apollo's computer was throwing codes and broke a seal in the aerial hydraulics. The aerial had to be lowered and the outriggers retracted with the emergency override system. Lead Mechanic Dan C picked it up from Station 4 and drove it straight to the dealer. This is the 3rd time a seal has broken in the aerial hydraulics since receiving the rig in early 2015.
August 9, 2016: Engine 21's Seagrave blew it's turbo today responding to an AFA in the downtown area, Engine 21 had to be towed to the local Seagrave dealer for repairs. They are currently running in the former Engine 21 Pierce Arrow.
August 7, 2017: Engine 23 has returned to frontline service.
August 5, 2016: When it rains, it pours. Aerial Tower 2 was responding to a reported structure fire in 22's area when it was t-boned between the cab and rear axle on the officer's side, causing damage to the forward stabilizer and compartments. The Aerial Tower is currently at the dealer being assessed for damage and repairs.
August 3, 2016: Running over the scissors caused more damage than initially thought, Engine 22 will be OOS for atleast a week.
August 2, 2016: Engine 22 paid a visit to the shops today for 3 flat tires on the officer's side after running over what appear to be scissors in the road while responding to a reported structure fire, which turned out to be false.
July 31, 2016: Engine 23 was taken OOS today due to another issue with the engine. Engine 28 was placed in service as 23.
July 24, 2016: Engine 25 has been returned to front-line service, after it took nearly one month to get the parts to repair the leaky tank. Engine 23 was also returned to service today after having to be sent back to the local E-One dealer for engine repairs.
July 18, 2016: Riverwoods International Airport conducted their triennial MCI/disaster exercise with a high level of success. Much thanks to our mutual-aid partners that participated.
July 4, 2016: Riverwoods Fire-Rescue participated in the city's 4th of July parade, and stood by as a safety during the fireworks.
June 30, 2016: The department's recent apparatus woes have struck Engine 25. The aging Seagrave was sent to the shops today for an issue with the tank leaking. This leaves Engines 21 and 22 along with the two aerials in their normal rigs. Engine 23 and 25 are in spares currently. Engine 23 went to the shop with a turbo issue yesterday.
June 23, 2016: Engine 22 is back in service after being at the local dealer for a little over a month, after its pump failed in May. The timeframe was longer than expected due to additional damage being found when the mechanics went in and started working. The new engine's delivery has not yet taken place, a few issues were found on a manufacturer visit, that will need to be rectified prior to delivery.
June 1, 2016: Preparations continue for the Triennial Disaster Drill at Riverwoods International Airport. Our direct mutual aid partners have been invited, with a favorable response of participation through now.
May 25, 2016: Riverwoods Fire-Rescue purchased the department's former Mack MR pumper from the current owner, River Heights, who was attempting to sell if for scrap. This will bolster the apparatus reserve fleet that has been nearly depleted lately by various issues with the inservice rigs.
May 16, 2016: Engine 22's HME suffered a pump failure at the structure fire in Mohawk. The crew has switched into Engine 26. At this time, the City is without any reserve engines not in service. Engines 21 and 25 were already out of service and using Engines 27 and 28. Engine 21 should be back in service in another week after blowing a turbo in mid-April. Engine 25 had a steering tire burst while responding to a call, causing damage to the axle and steering linkage. The new engine slated for Engine 25 is set to be delivered in about a month, however, with Engine 22's failure last night, there might be a shuffling of vehicles. The chief is currently attempting to obtain 1 or 2 more reserve engines so each engine has a reserve.
May 5, 2016: Run totals for the first third have been posted. There are a couple of highlights, the number of confirmed fires is up from the same period last year, while the number of EMS has declined slightly. Overall, our total runs for the first third have dropped from last year at the end of April, last year we hit 1,000 runs the first week of April and finished the period with 1,148 overall.
May 1, 2016: Engines 24 and 23 along with Tower 27 and Aerial 24 spent the morning drilling on the new Bronto and flowing water from the platform. The RFD's PIO was there to photograph the drill.
April 27, 2016: The NEW Aerial 24 is in service at Station 24, a 2016 E-One Bronto!
April 25, 2016: Due to the recent increase in demand on the reserve fleet, Fleet Services is looking into bolstering the reserve fleet, and possibly creating a small spare fleet to be kept at the shops. Whereas, the reserves are strategically placed around the City, the spares would be kept at the shops, without any equipment.
April 14, 2016: Engine 21 is in a reserve engine after a pair of scissors on the roadway became lodged between the rear dully and shredded both tires. Tower 27's Seagrave will be sent back to the dealer for repairs on the hydraulic system.
April 1, 2016: Tower 27 suffered a hydraulic failure in the outrigger system at a structure fire today, this is the second one in six months, the other happened at the end of December 2015. Tower 27 will be operating in the old American LaFrance rearmount until their vehicle returns.
March 8, 2016: Engine 23 is in a reserve, their normal engine suffered a pump failure during a structure fire today.
March 1, 2016: Engine 22's HME was damaged in an MVA while responding to a call this morning, they are expected to be in a reserve for two weeks.
February 26, 2016: Rescue 95's NEW Striker 3000 was placed in service today!
February 12, 2016: Oshkosh delivered the new Striker 3000 to the airport today, it is anticipated to be in service in 2 weeks after all the crews have had a chance to train on it.
January 30, 2016: Rescue 999 has returned from being refurbished and will be the main reserve ARFF vehicle at Riverwoods International. Should an off the field response be needed, one of the ARFF crews will bring this one to the scene instead of the heavier Striker 4500s.